Overview
- Waymo robotaxis and select Uber Black and Lyft Black vehicles began operating on Market Street on Tuesday, the first private cars allowed there since a 2020 ban.
- Operations are restricted to off-peak hours, with Waymo running 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and 7 p.m.–6 a.m., and Uber Black and Lyft Black allowed 7 p.m.–6 a.m.
- Seven designated loading zones along the corridor handle pick-ups and drop-offs, with locations set by the city for the pilot period.
- The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is collecting safety, customer experience and demand data and may adjust service volume, hours or locations.
- Merchants welcome the access as a boost to foot traffic, while pedestrian, cycling and transit advocates warn of safety risks and taxi representatives criticize the focus on premium ride-hailing; critics planned a Tuesday evening protest.